G. Gerapetritis: Support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate – Hope that the Theological School of Halki will reopen
The Greek state’s support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople was expressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, George Gerapetritis, in a statement to ERT and journalist Yannis Mandalidis after the conclusion of his meeting with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople.
Minister Gerapetritis expressed the hope that the Theological School of Chalki and the Marasli School will reopen and praised the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“Today I had the special honour of being received by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and particularly at the Patriarchal Urban School of Marasli, which, renovated, constitutes a true symbol of Orthodoxy in Constantinople. Our wish is that at some point it will reopen as an educational, pedagogical centre of Romiosyni of Constantinople, with educators and students,” said Mr. Gerapetritis and added:
“I had a long and extremely beneficial private conversation with the Patriarch. We had the opportunity to discuss issues concerning the Greek Diaspora, the Greek Community of Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to discuss issues concerning the Theological School of Halki. Our hope is that it will reopen in the future. It will be a very powerful symbol of ecumenism, tolerance and culture.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs concluded by emphasising that “the Greek State will always stand as a supporter of the solidarity action of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which supports not only Orthodoxy, but also the great worldview principles of love and solidarity, which must govern human and interstate relations in such a turbulent period for the world.”
According to the schedule, Minister Gerapetritis will travel to Halki and Prinkipo on 1 May 2025, together with the Ecumenical Patriarch. While on Friday, the Minister will meet with representatives of the Greek diaspora, including the Association for the Support of Greek Community Institutions, but will also visit the Baloukli hospital-nursing home, a building with particular historical and symbolic value for the Greek minority, which has been shrinking for decades.
Source: ertnews.gr
